Big trucks, graders and scrapers are at work on the Saint Mary's College campus, laying the groundwork for the school's multi-million dollar student recreation center.
Work on the project commenced July 26 -- with restrictions on construction hours and other limitations imposed after complaints from several residents about early start times and late-night light pollution.
Planning Commission approval of the project currently allows for construction between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until Sept. 1, when construction hours will be curtailed to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
An on-site supervisor with power to shut down work on the project is also in place, commissioners said, and can stop work if concerns over noise or light pollution surface.
Saint Mary’s College representatives will provide an update regarding lights at the college intramural field which, to the dismay of residents living in The Bluffs neighborhood, had been allowed to stay on well past town-mandated hours of operation. An update on the college's approach to resolving the issue of its lights, which now must be shut off at 9 p.m., is expected at the commission's next meeting Aug. 6.
The public is invited to attend the meeting. Residents with concerns or questions about the process are advised to contact the Planning Department for more information at 925-888-7040.
